Child Car Seats and the Law

Summary of BC laws

Following is a brief, plain language summary of the current child seating and restraint systems regulations. For a copy of the regulations, click here [PDF].  All drivers MUST make sure that all children (under the 16 years) are restrained appropriately as described below:

 Up to one year AND 9 kg (20 lb.)

  • Rear-facing child car seat
  • NOT on a front seat with an active air bag

Over one year AND 9 kg to 18 kg (20 to 40 lb.)

  • Forward-facing child car seat
  • May remain rear-facing if allowed by manufacturer’s weight limit   

Over 18 kg (40 lb.) until 9th birthday unless they have reached 145 cm (4’9”) in height

  • Booster seat and lap/shoulder seat belt
  • May remain in forward-facing child car seat with harness if allowed by manufacturer’s weight limit
  • If no lap/shoulder seat belt, must be secured without a booster seat by a lap belt

After 9th birthday

  • Seat belt
  • May remain in booster seat if allowed by manufacturer’s weight limit

All child car seats must be used according to manufacturer’s instructions and vehicle owner’s manual.

Child car seats purchased outside Canada are not approved for use in BC.

A few words about correct use and installation

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and read your vehicle owner’s manual to ensure that you are using and installing your child car seat correctly.
  • Use the quick checklist in each of the four stages to see if you are correctly using and installing your seat. 
  • Call the Child Car Seat Information Line (1-877-247-5551) to speak with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Educator (Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Come to a Child Passenger Safety Session

BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation / ICBC Child Passenger Safety Program